Brand making and identity development are some of the most challenging and rewarding jobs a designer can work on. Creating a mark that conveys a simple clear message with a unique and memorable icon or typeface requires incredible attention to detail as well as a deep understanding of a companies' mission. It is also my favorite type of project.

Near Zero is a non-profit organization founded to increase the frequency and value of dialogue between energy experts and those who make and influence energy-related decisions in government and business. Near Zero initiates, moderates and synthesizes transparent online discussions among the foremost experts from industry and academia.

DEVELOPING THE NEAR ZERO ICON

Near Zero is about progress. The best way to achieve meaningful results is to bring great minds together in order to move the best ideas forward. When Dave Taylor and I took on the project we immediately set a goal to capture the idea of this conversation as well as illustrate its' progressive nature. To achieve this we used the convergence of two face icons forming an arrow. Using the finished icon I created a cusom typeface. Process below.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ICON FOR GRACE

The challenge in this project revolved around finding the best way to represent GRACE using a medical icon. GRACE needed something accessible yet authoritative. Many options were generated the three below were among the top four options we presented to the GRACE team, but in the end we chose the serpent and staff symbol for it's rich history and ease of recognition.